Arbogast

Arbogast is an ancient name with its origins in the tribe of the Salian Franks. The first mention of the name occurs in a runic inscription written around 240 A.D. The inscription reads "arogisd/alaguth leubo:dedun". Translated, it means: "arogist/alaguth Beloved: made it." Arogist is a Latinized version of the original Old Frankish. Aro = plow, gist = master. The Franks were notable agriculturists. Over time the name changed to arogast, arogastes, arbogast, arbogastes. Old Frankish evolved into Dutch where gast = guest. In Latin, arbo = tree and could be the forerunner of the French arbre. The land the Salian Franks conquered became Frankland and then France. Many Arbogasts live/lived in Alsace, France. While the language and the culture are influenced by the German, the name, Arbogast and the location of Alsace are French. Notable Arbogasts include one of the four authors of The Salic Law, a pagan general turned traitor in the service of the Roman Empire and a count in the Court of Trier. St. Arbogast came from Ireland to Alsace and took the name of Arbogast because his Irish name was too difficult for the locals to pronounce.